Health
Drinking alcohol may influence cravings for certain foods in a surprising way, study suggests
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If you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips after a few drinks, hormones may be partly to blame. Researchers suggest they can influence food cravings and may contribute to significant overeating.
Studies examining how alcohol affects people’s eating habits have produced inconsistent results, University of Sydney researchers reported in Obesity Reviews.
Alcohol on its own always adds calories, but how much it contributes to people’s total caloric intake depends on their dietary habits, the scientists observed.
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Previous research suggests alcohol consumption may increase levels of FGF21, “a hormone that increases savory (umami) preference and reduces sweet preference,” the researchers wrote. In “minimally processed food environments,” people seek foods that are both satiating and high in protein, and they limit the number of calories they eat.
On diets rich in ultra-processed savory foods and/or high-fat unprocessed meats, however, consumers eat foods that taste like the minimally processed foods, but that fail to deliver protein. The researchers refer to these foods as “protein decoys.” People who indulge in ultra-processed foods tend to eat many more calories, because they’re not satisfied without protein.
Researchers have observed that alcohol stimulates a hormone that causes people to crave savory foods and could lead them to overindulge in highly-processed foods. (iStock)
The researchers analyzed previous experimental work that involved interviews with more than 9,000 Australians. The survey found that people who reported drinking alcohol also reported eating a lot more savory foods and fewer sweet foods than the non-drinkers. People’s savory food intake increased on days they reported drinking.
People who reported drinking and consuming a savory diet with the low-protein, high-fat characteristics of an ultra-processed diet took in 40% more calories than the daily recommendation — before factoring in the alcohol.
“Results suggest that alcohol may have contributed to the obesity epidemic,” because it increases people’s appetites, and people consuming highly processed foods eat more of the unsatiating food, the researchers hypothesized.
The researchers wrote that their observations could explain why studies on alcohol’s effect on caloric intake have been so varied, because it likely depends on the types of foods you’re eating while drinking.
They also noted that their studies did not directly measure FGF21 levels, but that they applied previous information gathered through scientific studies to make their observations. They wrote that they could not provide direct evidence of FGF21’s role in food intake.
Many people crave savory foods when they’re drinking alcohol, but the type they consume can have a major impact on caloric intake, researchers theorize. (iStock)
The researchers also acknowledged the limitations of their research, since it was largely based on secondary evidence from a population survey.
“Advice to limit highly processed foods, including savory snack foods, may be even more critical than previously thought for reducing the risk of weight gain among adults who drink regularly,” they concluded.
Registered dietitian Morgan Beemiller, RD, LDN, based in Ohio, said she was not surprised by this study’s findings.
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“Alcohol is known to affect several biological and behavioral systems that influence food cravings,” she told Fox News Digital.
According to Beemiller, alcohol alters appetite-regulating signals and affects the brain’s reward circuits. It also changes taste perception, she said.
To avoid the ultra-processed overeating pitfall, Beemiller recommended people eat a substantial meal prior to drinking.
“Include protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats,” she advised. “This combination helps slow alcohol absorption and reduces urges for convenience foods later.”
People who consumed highly-processed foods while consuming alcohol took in 40 percent more than the recommended daily number of calories, one study found. (iStock)
Chicken, rice and salad or salmon, potatoes and broccoli are sensible pre-drink meals, Beemiller said.
“Decide on your late-night food before you start drinking,” she said. “If healthy food is already available, you are less likely to order or make convenience foods later in the evening.”
People should keep minimally processed snacks such as nuts, cheese, fruit, hummus and vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, readily available, Beemiller said. It’s also important to stay hydrated, she noted. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water can reduce total alcohol consumption, improve hydration and reduce hangover symptoms.
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While Beemiller said evidence suggests less alcohol is generally better for health, she added there are a few ways to reduce the negative impact if someone chooses to drink.
Keep your intake to a moderate level. Health risks rise the more people drink. Choose low-sugar options such as dry wines, light beers and cocktails that use fresh juices rather than syrups. Avoid high-sugar drinks, such as margaritas, daiquiris, sweet dessert wines and hard lemonades. Also beware of high-calorie mixers. Opt for sparkling water instead.
“Choose alcohol for enjoyment, not stress management,” Beemiller said.
New York City health officials warn of Legionnaires’ disease outbreak
Health officials in New York City have issued a warning about a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, with 23 confirmed cases and 17 hospitalizations. Dr. Stephanie Widmer, an emergency medicine attending physician, details how the bacterial pneumonia is contracted, emphasizing it’s from warm water in large cooling towers, not drinking water. She also discusses symptoms and curability with antibiotics.
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New York City health officials announced Friday that the first person has died in connection with a growing Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side as the number of confirmed infections continued to rise.
“I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
“My deepest condolences are with their loved ones, and out of respect to their personal privacy, we will not be releasing any additional information on the individual.”
NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN CENTRAL PARK VISITORS AFTER LEGIONNAIRES’ OUTBREAK GROWS ON UPPER EAST SIDE
A 3D illustration of Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. (iStock)
The death comes as the outbreak has sickened 67 people as of Thursday night, up from 63 cases reported a day earlier. Twelve people remain hospitalized, according to city health officials.
Investigators are tracing the outbreak to Legionella pneumophila bacteria found in 76 cooling towers across the Upper East Side and one on the Upper West Side. Buildings that tested positive, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, have been ordered to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which naturally occurs in water but can multiply in building water systems such as cooling towers. The illness can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
DEADLY LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE OUTBREAK SPARKS CONCERN IN MAJOR US CITY: KNOW THE SYMPTOMS
A blood sample tests positive for Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease. (iStock)
Cooling towers, commonly found on rooftops, help regulate large building cooling systems and can release mist containing the bacteria. Health officials have emphasized that the outbreak is not linked to New York City’s drinking water or indoor air conditioning.
Health officials urged anyone who lives, works or has visited the affected area since late June and develops flu-like symptoms to contact a health care provider immediately.
Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headaches. The disease spreads through contaminated water droplets and is not spread from person to person.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. (iStock)
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Older adults, smokers and people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 10 people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease die from complications.
City health officials said early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antibiotics can significantly improve outcomes for patients who become infected.
CDC official outlines severity of cyclosporiasis as cases surges across US
Cases of Cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic illness, are skyrocketing across 34 states, with nearly 7,000 confirmed or under investigation cases. CDC Deputy Director Gwen Biggerstaff highlights that symptoms like diarrhea and cramping can be severe, urging affected individuals to consult doctors about specific antibiotic treatments. The CDC anticipates identifying the outbreak’s source soon.
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Health officials are warning that what many people dismiss as a routine summer stomach bug may actually be cyclosporiasis, as the U.S. experiences one of its largest foodborne parasite outbreaks on record.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,600 domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May, with over 5,100 additional cases currently under investigation.
The intestinal infection is caused by Cyclospora (Cyclospora cayetanensis), a microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water.
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The outbreak has sickened thousands of people, particularly in Midwestern states such as Michigan and Ohio, causing prolonged bouts of severe gastrointestinal illness.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water, although the incubation period can range from about two days to two weeks, according to the CDC.
Patients should seek diagnostic testing through their primary care physician, saving the emergency department for the treatment of severe dehydration. (iStock)
Early symptoms can overlap with those of a common viral stomach bug, including abdominal pain, nausea and watery diarrhea. Some patients also experience loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss.
The primary differences lie in how long the illness lasts and how severe the symptoms become, according to Dr. Kenneth Perry, an emergency physician based in South Carolina.
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Routine stomach bugs are typically short-lived, resolving within 24 to 48 hours, the doctor said. Even if mild symptoms linger, patients generally feel better after two days.
“Cyclospora is different in this regard,” Perry told Fox News Digital. “It lasts longer, with far more profound watery, foul-smelling diarrhea and abdominal cramping.”
A massive surge in Cyclospora cases means people may be mistaking this parasitic foodborne infection for a standard summer stomach bug. (iStock)
It is possible to test for Cyclospora, but healthcare providers must specifically request it, as the parasite is not routinely included in standard stool testing and many gastrointestinal PCR panels do not detect it, according to the CDC.
Diagnosis is made by examining stool specimens, although patients may need to submit several samples collected on different days, as even symptomatic people may not shed enough of the parasite for it to be readily detected, per the above source.
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If symptoms strongly suggest Cyclospora despite an initial negative test, the screening may need to be repeated, Perry noted.
A primary care physician is often the best point of contact for patients seeking a diagnosis, as most routine stool tests performed in emergency departments do not screen for Cyclospora. A family doctor can order the specialized test if it’s suspected.
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“The emergency department is the appropriate setting for treating downstream symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea and dehydration,” Perry told Fox News Digital.
People who suspect they have contracted the parasite can also check FDA and CDC food safety alerts to see whether they may have been exposed to a recalled or implicated product.
While routine stomach viruses usually resolve within 48 hours, Cyclospora infections linger much longer with severe, watery and foul-smelling diarrhea. (iStock)
Patients should also focus on staying hydrated by monitoring their urine output. Perry recommends using over-the-counter pediatric formulas, which offer a more effective salt-to-sugar ratio than commercial sports drinks.
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Anyone whose diarrhea lasts more than two to three days, worsens or is accompanied by signs of dehydration should contact a primary care physician.
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Unlike most viral stomach bugs, Cyclospora is treatable with prescription antibiotics. The CDC recommends trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) as the standard treatment, while people who cannot take sulfa drugs should discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider.
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Neurologists are warning that popular weight-loss medications could have severe negative effects on neurodegenerative conditions like ALS.
Jinsy Andrews, MD, a neurologist and director of NYU Langone’s ALS Center, says the very mechanism that makes these drugs popular — rapid weight loss — can go against the biological needs of patients with neuromuscular disorders.
GLP-1 agonists have shown to be highly effective at managing diabetes and obesity, which are major health concerns across the population. However, the doctor emphasized that the clinical rules shift when dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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In addition to mitigating some of the inflammation related to obesity and diabetes, GLP-1 medications have been linked to other protective effects.
The therapies have been helpful in reducing cardiovascular disease, stroke risk, liver disease and addiction, according to Andrews.
Neurologists are warning that the rapid weight loss caused by popular GLP-1 medications can severely worsen neurodegenerative conditions like ALS. (iStock)
However, when it comes to an incurable neurodegenerative disease, losing weight and body fat can accelerate a patient’s physical decline.
For an ALS patient, losing weight can cause the condition to progress faster, Andrews said, because the disease’s unique traits make it dangerous to be in a caloric deficit.
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In fact, standard clinical care guidelines for ALS often recommend that patients actively maintain or even gain weight to help preserve their remaining nerve and muscle function.
While GLP-1s effectively treat obesity and cardiovascular risks in the general public, those same afflictions have been shown to slow ALS progression. (iStock)
“In certain conditions where hypermetabolism is something that negatively affects the disease […] losing weight actually makes the disease worse and move faster,” Andrews told Fox News Digital..
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“So, in the setting of a person with ALS — whether they have diabetes or not — using GLP-1s may actually worsen the disease and make for a rapid progression.”
A peer-reviewed case study revealed that an ALS patient experienced a massive, 10-fold acceleration in physical deterioration after starting semaglutide. (iStock)
In a 2025 case report published in the medical journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration, a 52-year-old ALS patient was prescribed semaglutide to treat her type 2 diabetes.
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Prior to starting the medication, her physical functions were declining at a predictable rate on the standard ALS rating scale.
According to the case report, the patient lost 25 pounds in three months. At the same time, she experienced a sudden, dramatic shift in her disease trajectory, with symptoms worsening significantly.
“GLP-1s may actually worsen the disease and make for a rapid progression.”
Once the semaglutide was discontinued at the advice of medical professionals, the patient’s rapid physical decline stabilized.
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Andrews pointed out that this published documentation, alongside retrospective cohort data of ALS patients with diabetes, provides growing evidence that clinicians must be careful and thoughtful about who they treat with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
While weight-loss medications offer significant benefits for many patients, experts say maintaining body weight and muscle mass remains an important consideration for people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Healthcare providers should be highly cautious and context-aware when prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists to patients with underlying neurodegenerative diseases, a neurologist cautioned. (iStock)
“Patient safety is of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously,” Ambre James-Brown, global head and AVP of global media at Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, told Fox News Digital.
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“It’s important to note that ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases are not listed adverse reactions or warnings and precautions in the prescribing information for our semaglutide products, including Ozempic or Wegovy,” he added.
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